Headboards

Bedroom Headboard or Bed Head

Refinements

Color

Style

Size

Dress up your bed — and the entire room — with a trendy headboard. Show off your sense of style with a wild pattern, or go simple with an understated color. The variety of options and materials allows you to select a headboard as plush or as modest as you want. Unique design elements, such as fun shapes and nailhead accents, enable you to choose from headboards that best fit your style. Create a gorgeous bedroom, starting with the head of the bed. Once you see the end result, you’ll never want to leave. More

How to Choose a Headboard

Much like picture frames, headboards focus attention where it matters. They instantly dress up walls and beds, and many come with helpful storage options or cozy backrests for late-night reading or TV viewing. As part of a set or statements all on their own, these pieces are excellent for showing off your creativity and personal style.

Factoring in Size & Budget

To pick the right headboard size, consider what will look best with your existing room and furniture. Typically, headboards are the same width as the bed or wider to create visual balance in the room. Headboards that are too small make beds and other furniture appear oversized. Those who are tight on space may also want to consider a slim, wall-mounted piece, while those with large rooms to fill can go as big and plush as they want. Remember to take into account that smaller pieces tend to have smaller price tags and may be better options for budget-conscious buyers.

Certain headboard heights may also work better for you and your space. The long, vertical lines of tall pieces can draw the eye upwards, making the most of rooms with high ceilings. On the other hand, keeping headboards relatively short makes low-ceilinged rooms look more spacious. Additionally, tall pieces tend to limit the need for other wall decor. For those who enjoy hanging up photos or art, consider using the extra space above a low headboard to decorate.

Choosing a Style

For old-world charm, try tufted leather headboards. Oversized wooden pieces with stark, clean lines add a modern touch, while curvy, wrought iron headboards are romantic and whimsical. Additional decorative details, like buttons, quilting, or nail heads, can also lend character to your space. Headboards should complement the pieces in your room, but can also introduce texture and depth to existing designs. For example, if you have mostly soft, upholstered pieces in your bedroom, consider a wooden headboard for some needed contrast.

Depending on your preferences and the needs of your space, you may prefer solid or open designs. Solid wood or upholstered headboards are large pieces that create instant focal points in any bedroom. However, for those with small rooms or plans to place their headboards in front of windows, open pieces with slats or bars can create the illusion of greater space while letting in natural light.

Deciding on Materials

Upholstered headboards are made of composite wood with a layer of soft, fabric-covered foam. Leather, cotton, and linen are popular and durable fabric choices that come in a variety of colors, patterns, and textures. Fabrics like velvet, brocade, and silk are undeniably luxurious, but are also expensive and wear easily. Quality wrought iron and solid wood headboards can last a lifetime. Some wood pieces also provide helpful built-in shelves or ledges to store mugs, reading glasses, alarm clocks, reading lights, books, and decorations.

Selecting Colors

Wood headboards range in color from ash to mahogany, with options to fit any room. Stay in the same color family as your existing bedroom furniture. For example, oak furniture and walnut headboards don't match exactly, but both have warm, yellow tones that pair well. For an element of the unexpected, try metal headboards. Metal pieces look fresh and modern when painted, while those that retain their natural patina can look either antique or industrial. Upholstered headboards provide even more choices, with almost unlimited fabric options. To pick the best shade, consider the wall space behind your headboard. Neutral pieces pop against brightly painted walls, while dark headboards add drama to light colored spaces.